27th September, 2022
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC) has recalled an earlier directive to Vice Chancellors of public universities to reopen the institutions.
Earlier on Monday, the NUC in a letter signed by the Commission’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, demanded the obedience to an order of the National Industrial Court.
A letter was, however, issued again to all Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of University Councils as well as Vice-Chancellors of federal universities, ordering the withdrawal of its earlier circular with REF: NUC/ES/138/VOL.64/135, which mandated the institutions to reopen.
The letter was titled “Re: Forwarding of Court Judgement and Enforcement of Order by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/270/2022: Withdrawal of Circular ref: NUC/ES/138/VOL.64/135 dated September 23rd, 2022.”
“I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission (NUC) Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135, dated September 23, 2022, on the above subject. Consequently, the said circular is withdrawn.
“Further developments and information will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders,” the letter read.
ASUU commenced an indefinite strike on February 14, 2022, over grievances relating to funding for universities.
Other demands are arrears of earned allowances to its members and discrepancies in the implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payrolls and Information System (IPPIS), among other issues.
NAN